Why Cesare Prandelli Can Use Lorenzo Insigne to Break Down Costa Rica's Defense

For Italy's next 2014 World Cup match against Costa Rica, manager Cesare Prandelli must now figure out what Uruguay couldn't.

The slow, lethargic play from the South Americans is not a style the Italians will try to emulate. Considering all things, forward Lorenzo Insigne could be the ideal man to break down this Costa Rica side, who are quickly becoming the Cinderella story of the tournament.

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Joel Campbell celebrates

Costa Rica were undoubtedly the most surprising team from the first round of action between the groups.

Los Ticos absolutely embarrassed Uruguay by deservedly beating them 3-1, and they took the most improbable of leads in Group D—the same group where many had completely written off the CONCACAF side in favor of the three other more talented nations.

That being said, this new brand of "Tico-Taca" football from the Costa Ricans has given Cesare Prandelli a considerable amount of doubt.

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Campbell scores vs. Uruguay

Costa Rica play with five defenders at the back and can hit out on the counter with the explosive Joel Campbell.

The Arsenal-owned striker is making a case as player of the tournament, with Bryan Ruiz having the necessary quality to find him in space.

Given that Uruguay were also playing without their talisman Luis Suarez on the attack, it would have been this type of player who could have broken down Costa Rica's defense.

Since acceleration and great dribbling ability in closed spaces are not necessarily the main attributes of EdinsonCavani and Diego Forlan, Italy could face similar problems against Costa Rica's defense if they don't use someone who can take people on the dribble—like Insigne.

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Insigne could play alongside his old Pescara teammates Ciro Immobile and Marco Verratti

The Neapolitan winger squirms around tight quarters with ease, using his diminutive frame to guide him on his sizzling runs, where he often beats his defender without much effort.

Considering their opening-round result, Costa Rica could be very happy to get a draw in this match against Italy, so a highly offensive approach from Prandelli is needed.

The 4-5-1 based on plenty of midfield energy in the heat of Manaus won't be necessary. A more conventional, attack-minded 4-2-3-1 could be the key to breaking Los Ticos down.

It could also be a great time to give Andrea Pirlo a rest and use Marco Verratti alongside Daniele De Rossi as the two holding midfielders.

Is Lorenzo Insigne the right man to start vs. Costa Rica?

Yes, his ability to beat opponent 1v1 will be critical to unlock Costa Rica's five-man wallNo, he's too inexperienced and there are better options ahead of himSubmit Votevote to see results

Is Lorenzo Insigne the right man to start vs. Costa Rica?

Yes, his ability to beat opponent 1v1 will be critical to unlock Costa Rica's five-man wall

84.9%

No, he's too inexperienced and there are better options ahead of him

15.1%

Total votes: 582

Up top, don't be surprised to see a few changes as Prandelli gets ready for the match against Uruguay. Ciro Immobile has been used plenty in practice and could lead the line alongside his ex-Pescara team-mate Insigne.

Expect Antonio Cassano and AlessioCerci to be used also—both have plenty of technique and will run right at Costa Rica's defensive unit.

Assuming Insigne starts, expect him to be a focal point in the line-up and one of the reasons why Italy will collect three points against a tricky opponent.